Can anyone tell me how long their steam pressure stays really strong? I'm having trouble with it staying strong long enough to get 8 to 10 oz. of good microfoam using the stock 2 hole tip. I'm set at 1.1 bar pressure with an idle temp read of about 209. I don't really want to raise the pressure as I'm already flushing about 7 oz. as it is. Thanks!

Can anyone tell me how long their steam pressure stays really strong? I'm having trouble with it staying strong long enough to get 8 to 10 oz. of good microfoam using the stock 2 hole tip. I'm set at 1.1 bar pressure with an idle temp read of about 209. I don't really want to raise the pressure as I'm already flushing about 7 oz. as it is. Thanks!

Yes it does take a bit longer but I'm streaming 10 oz. in a 20 oz. pitcher. Would you mind turning on your steam pressure to full power and timing how long it stays at max pressure? How much are you flushing while set at 1.2 bar?

With the steam valve wide open, you'll probably get 60 seconds or almost 60 seconds before you can see the volume of steam begin to reduce, but wide open is kind of excessive. You should be able to get adequate steam volume to heat 10 ounces of milk and keep the surface folding under with decent frothing at less than the maximum steam volume a cuadra can do. The cuadra isn't the biggest boiler in the world, but I have spent a lot of time with them and am satisfied that they can produce good, non-sputtering steam for 90+ seconds at least as well as any other machine in its price range. maybe not at wide-open throttle but at reasonable valve opening.

Well, there you go . . . that's probably my big ol problem. I was under the impression that more steam is better so I was opening all the way and losing pressure just when I needed to sink the wand and get a good fold going. Does everyone else just open the steam partially?

I'll agree to that. There's no need to go full blast with the steam. I give it two, maybe three full turns, and that's it. Gets the milk rolling nicely.

As far as the flush, my Pstat is set at 1.2. Idle is about 208-210 F. I need to flush normally 4-6 oz of water to bring the group temp down to about 204. I then wait 30 seconds or so, and then pull my shot. Brings the brew temp to about 201-202.

Few questions I have for you guys. Can anyone recommend a good ridgless double basket that fits the stock portafilter? Not the VST preferably. I'd rather not have to buy a new tamper to fit that basket. Was thinking the LM basket. Anyone know if that would work?

Also, are the steam and hot water knobs replaceable? I'd like to swap them out with something nicer like those on the Rocket. Something with the shiny black plastic like the brew lever and porta handle.

As far as the flush, my Pstat is set at 1.2. Idle is about 208-210 F. I need to flush normally 4-6 oz of water to bring the group temp down to about 204. I then wait 30 seconds or so, and then pull my shot. Brings the brew temp to about 201-202.

Few questions I have for you guys. Can anyone recommend a good ridgless double basket that fits the stock portafilter? Not the VST preferably. I'd rather not have to buy a new tamper to fit that basket. Was thinking the LM basket. Anyone know if that would work?

Also, are the steam and hot water knobs replaceable? I'd like to swap them out with something nicer like those on the Rocket. Something with the shiny black plastic like the brew lever and porta handle.

Your temp/pressure/flush numbers are pretty darn close to where mine are and has been working well for me.

I bought the VST basket a year ago, tried it for a bit and decided I did not care for it. I started using it again the last few days and I decided I actually kind of like it. I cant remember now why I did not care for it the first time around. What dont you like about the double that came with the machine?

With regard to the knobs and porta handle - there is a fellow that makes custom ones from a variety of hardwoods that makes you machine look totally pimp!

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